"Cancelled appointments, fractured pathways and..."

Holme Valley Memorial Hospital sexual health services day case Friday, June 9, 2017.

My concerns relate to lack of co-ordinated services as in 9th January 2017, after a routine smear I was referred to sexual health services for the removal of a cervical polyp by my GP, Huddersfield on 15th February 2017. I chose to book in at Holme Valley hospital and approximately eight weeks later, upon arrival at the HVMH clinic sat and waited, along with three other clients. On 31st March 2017 about 2 pm a person in a sister’s nurses uniform arrived at HVMH day clinic where I was waiting from 1pm. They came out to the receptionists approximately 20-25 minutes later informed the waiting patients that the list had to be cancelled as the Dr was on annual leave and there had been no communication in relation to cancelling the HVMH Sexual health clinic day cases. This was very distressing. As I was obviously very anxious about the removal of the polyp.

My appointment was rescheduled for Friday, June 9 at 2 PM 2017. When I arrived at Holme Valley hospital again the receptionists informed me that there was no clinic booked to take place this afternoon. I was understandably very distressed and the receptionist was extremely supportive. They telephoned three different numbers to ascertain that a nurse from Huddersfield hospital was in fact on their way to the HVMH clinic. The receptionist then asked another member of the team if they would clean and prep the room as although it was not booked, of my obviously a clinic was actually about to take place. By this time two more of the patients had arrived in the waiting area as it was now 2:15 PM.

I was the first patient on the list and called in by the nursing sister. The doctor and the nurse had not been furnished with any clinical notes or details of the day surgery that I was booked in for. Also system one was not working, as a consequence none of my previous sexual health history was available. At this point I was very distressed, when faced with the prospect of yet again a cancellation in the treatment. I had by this time been waiting over six months for the removal of a cervical polyp. The front-line staff took a verbal history from me, with skill and interpersonal sensitivity, examined me and subsequently removed the polyp, sending it for histology.

Disjointed and uncoordinated pathways/joint working

Clearly there are a number of different partners working together to deliver this service. Locala CIC where the room is rented from, an independent doctor commissioned to perform the examination and any take any actions required, and the clinical nursing staff from Calderdale, Halifax hospital. This service is appalling in the way that there are no pathways and it is disjointed. I have undergone unnecessary stress and anxiety over a protracted period of time.

Exemplary front-line operational staff.

I cannot thank the front-line staff enough for their immediate action and sensitive thoughtful support to me.